advocacy issues

Human Trafficking

“He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor. From extortion and violence he frees them, for precious is their blood in his sight.” – Psalm 72:13-14

“Human trafficking is a crime against humanity. We must unite our efforts to free victims and stop this crime that’s become ever more aggressive, that threatens not just individuals, but the foundational values of society…” — Pope Francis

OVERVIEW

Human trafficking occurs within almost every country and across most international borders. Today, 30 million1 people are bound in forced labor. The root cause of trafficking is poverty. Two and one-half billion people in the human family, attempting to exist on two dollars per day or less, are lured into trafficking or bound into indentured servitude that continues for generations, as a means of survival. In Southern California, victims of human trafficking can be enslaved in the garment industry, as housekeepers, care givers for the elderly or prostitutes. Today, human trafficking victims are getting younger, with many children and teenagers domestically trafficked through illicit social media contacts. Human trafficking demeans the dignity of the human person, fractures families and exploits workers. To counteract this global problem, supporting education, especially for girls excluded from educational opportunities and purchasing fair trade products to provide a living wage diminishes the lure of trafficking. Locally, in our communities, awareness and education about the signs of trafficking and supporting organizations addressing the issue will help free those enslaved and protect potential victims, especially youth, from becoming ensnared. (Catholic Relief Services)

In order to stop Human Trafficking, we need to understand it and know what actions to take. This is not merely a “foreign problem.” According to the California Attorney general, a Trafficker can make over $500,000 a year making this the fastest growing crime in the state.

St. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slaveryas a child and endured untold hardship and suffering.Once liberated from your physical enslavement,you found true redemption in your encounter withChrist and his Church.O St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in astate of slavery;Intercede with God on their behalfso that they will be released from their chainsof captivity.Those whom man enslaves, let God set free.Provide comfort to survivors of slaveryand let them look to you as an example of hopeand faith.Help all survivors find healing from their wounds.We ask for your prayers and intercessions forthose enslaved among us.Amen.